Learn what you should never say to someone with dementia, and what to say instead.

Have you ever said something you wish you hadn’t said? Maybe your intention was to compliment a friend on her new haircut, but you came across sounding like you were criticizing her previous hairstyle. Choosing our words carefully is always important, but even more so when speaking with someone with dementia. The words we say and the way we say them can significantly impact the person’s emotional well-being and quality of life. And it’s just as important to know what you should never say to someone with dementia.

It’s important to recognize the signs of PTSD in a senior loved one and know where to turn for help.

A sudden crack of fireworks booms overhead, and the person next to you stiffens. A song drifts through the room, and you notice a shift in their expression. For someone who has lived through trauma, everyday sights, sounds, and smells can be powerful reminders of painful experiences. What might appear to be nerves, stress, or even age-related changes can actually be something much more complex: PTSD in a senior loved one.

Don’t let the fear of falling in older adults hold back someone you love from living life to the fullest!

Aging brings wisdom, perspective, and cherished memories—but it can also bring new worries. One of the most common concerns is the fear of falling in older adults. While understandable, this fear can quietly steal independence, limit activity, and lead to feelings of isolation. In fact, many people avoid walking outdoors, exercising, or even socializing because they worry about losing their balance.

When caregivers were asked what they really needed, here’s what they had to say about family caregiver support.

It might be hard to imagine feeling invisible when you spend so much time with someone you love, but for many family caregivers, it’s a common theme. They describe their daily role as both rewarding and exhausting—a balancing act where their loved one’s needs come first and their own often fall last. Over time, that imbalance can take a toll.

We’re LIVE!

Join us today from 9 to 3 at the MARIN SENIOR FAIR! Meet tons of Community Partners, and learn about a myriad of services and products focused specifically on our Senior Community. The event is FREE, with lots of food, entertainment and prizes! And there’s also air conditioning! Stop by the Hired Hands Homecare booth to say HI – hope to see you there!
Get the details at https://2025.marinseniorfair.org/

Learn about catastrophic reactions in Alzheimer’s, including what to watch for, how to prevent them, and how to manage them if they occur.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is a little like walking through shifting sands. Just when you think you’ve found steady ground, the landscape changes. One of the most startling effects you may encounter is what’s known as catastrophic reactions in Alzheimer’s disease—a sudden, overwhelming emotional outburst that can erupt from something as simple as a routine question or a minor change in environment.

Please join us in congratulating Nancy LG, as our most recent Caregiver of the Month!

We have actually had the distinct pleasure of working with Nancy since 2016!  After a brief time away, she returned to the Hired Hands team and immediately brought her dedication and caring heart with her. Nancy is highly skilled and specializes in providing exceptional care to our clients with dementia, Parkinson’s, and those on Hospice. Nancy’s passion and commitment shine through in everything she does. We know that she will exceed expectations wherever we send her and it’s clear that Nancy truly cares about every client we send her to.

We have received wonderful feedback from multiple client’s family members about Nancy’s attentiveness. Most recently, a client’s son wanted us to know that “Nancy is the best- she is always alert and on top of it. Nancy saved … Read More »

Try one of these memorable birthday party ideas for seniors.

Celebrating a birthday is always special, but when it’s for someone who has lived through decades of stories, milestones, and cherished experiences, it becomes even more meaningful. Coming up with unique birthday party ideas for seniors isn’t always easy, however. How do you plan a celebration that will be remembered long after the candles are blown out? It starts with centering the party around the guest of honor. Ask yourself:

Please join us in congratulating Abigail “Onnie” T. as our next Caregiver of the Month!

We recently had the joy of surprising Onnie during shift with two of her clients, Faith and Gordon.  She was taken back by the recognition, sharing that she had never received such an award before.  Faith and Gordon joined in on the celebration describing Onnie as “super-duper” and the “best caregiver”, wishing they could have her more days!

While we have only had the pleasure of working with Onnie since the beginning of the year, she has grown tremendously as a caregiver.  Onnie continues to learn and acquire new skills.  Her ability to connect deeply with every client she cares for has really impressed us. Onnie is always polite, kind, and compassionate.  Recently, while one of her clients was in the hospital, we received glowing feedback from … Read More »

Connection is Prevention!

Join us on Sept. 18th for a super and FREE event! The Sonoma Co. Behavioral Health department presents a half-day conference focused on senior wellness and mental health. Join a wealth of community partners for FREE Continental Breakfast & Lunch, with several speakers, sessions, vendors, prizes & more!

September 18, 2025, 9:30am – 2:15 pm
1455 Corporate Center Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA
Registration required by Sept. 10.
Contact Denise Johnson: 707-525-0143×119
or DJohnson@CouncilonAging.com

See you there!